QuickBooks Online
Accounting
Accounting with bank feeds and AI categorisation. A free plan in the US and MTD compatible software in the UK.
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For plumbers, electricians and builders
Bookkeeping and tax tools for plumbers, electricians and builders
For plumbers, electricians and builders, bookkeeping and tax usually means tracking materials, mileage and VAT on supplier bills. We matched 9 tools to this job, and 3 of them list a free plan. They are in our order of fit, and that order is never paid for. In the UK our first picks are Xero and QuickBooks Online.
The tools, in our order of fit
Xero
Accounting
Popular cloud accounting with bank feeds and invoicing. In the UK it handles MTD compatible VAT returns.
Wave
Accounting
Free Starter plan for invoicing and basic bookkeeping. Pro adds bank transaction import.
Zoho Books
Accounting
Free plan for solo and micro businesses, with receipt automation on paid plans.
Dext
Bookkeeping
Snap receipts and supplier bills and send the data to your accounts software.
FreeAgent
Accounting
Built for UK sole traders and limited companies, including Self Assessment and MTD. Free with some UK bank accounts. UK only
Powered Now
Job management
Keeps quotes, invoices and MTD features in one trades focused app. UK focused
Sage Accounting
Accounting
Cloud bookkeeping, invoicing, VAT and Making Tax Digital for businesses.
Hubdoc
Document capture
Snap receipts and bills and send them to your accounting software. 30 day free trial.
How to choose
- Connect your business bank account so transactions arrive automatically.
- Photograph receipts as you go rather than at the end of the year.
- In the UK, check Making Tax Digital support for VAT and Income Tax if they apply to you.
- Ask your accountant which software they already use, because shared access is simpler.
Prices at a glance
| Tool | Starting price | Free plan | Free trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| QuickBooks Online | Simple Start $38/month (intro discount shown) | Yes | Yes |
| Xero | Ignite £18/month (excl. VAT) | No | Not listed |
| Wave | Pro $190/year (billed annually) | Yes | Not listed |
| Zoho Books | Standard $15/org/month billed annually ($20 monthly) | Yes | Yes |
| Dext | See the official page | No | Yes |
| FreeAgent | From £33/month (limited company) | No | Yes |
| Powered Now | Business £28/month (or £280/year), plus VAT | No | Yes |
| Sage Accounting | See the official page | No | Not listed |
| Hubdoc | $12/month | No | Yes |
Starting prices as shown on each official pricing page. Local prices can differ.
Questions people ask
What is the best bookkeeping tool for plumbers, electricians and builders?
It depends on how you work. Our first pick is QuickBooks Online. Accounting with bank feeds and AI categorisation. A free plan in the US and MTD compatible software in the UK. Xero and Wave are close alternatives.
Is there a free bookkeeping tool for plumbers, electricians and builders?
Yes. QuickBooks Online, Wave and Zoho Books list a free plan on the official pricing page. Paid plans add more features and higher limits.
How much do bookkeeping and tax tools cost for plumbers, electricians and builders?
QuickBooks Online lists Simple Start $38/month (intro discount shown). Xero lists Ignite £18/month (excl. VAT). Wave lists Pro $190/year (billed annually). Prices can change, so check the official page before you buy.
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Keep exploring
Comparisons
- FreeAgent vs Xero on price, free plans and which to choose
- Xero vs QuickBooks Online on price, free plans and which to choose
Guides
- Best AI tools for plumbers, electricians and builders
- Making Tax Digital in the UK and the AI bookkeeping tools that can help
- How to add VAT to a price, and when to register
Free calculators
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